![YHA Canterbury front of hostel YHA Canterbury exterior](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_4_3/public/media/image/c809200e__YHA_Canterbury_Exterior.jpg?itok=T3lcIGeg)
Nordic walking social walk from YHA Canterbury
Sunday 13th October 2024 Distance: 2-3 miles Duration: 2 hours Led by: John Horton, British Nordic Walking National Trainer A short and sociable circular walk on footpaths exploring the Kent...
Want the best of both worlds? Canterbury goes one better. With a city that’s full of history and culture, the coast a mere seven miles away, Kent Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the south and acre-upon-acre of ancient woodland to explore nearby, this place has it all.
YHA Canterbury is a stunning Victorian villa, perfectly located to explore the Cathedral City of Canterbury and its surroundings. With historic buildings including the city's famous cathedral (one of the oldest places of worship in England), museums, medieval adventures, nearby beaches and countryside walks on the North Downs Way, there's so much to keep you entertained when you stay at this hostel.
Reception opening hours: From 07:30 - 10:00 and 17:00 - 22:00.
Food and drink: Breakfast is served to guests daily from 07:30 – 09:00.
Licensed bar: This hostel has a licensed bar offering a range of alcohol and soft drinks. It is not possible for guests to bring their own alcohol.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Parking: There is parking on-site for 8 cars or 2 coaches. These spaces cannot be reserved and may become full. Parking is also available on Rochester Avenue or St Lawrence, offering free parking overnight and at weekends (approx. two-minutes away on foot). Canterbury College offers weekend parking at £2 per day and there is a park and ride located at the top of New Dover Road.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Canterbury, except in our Camping & Cabins accommodation or when hiring the whole hostel through YHA Exclusive Hire. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
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Volunteering with YHA is a fantastic way to have fun, learn new skills, boost your CV and travel to different places. We have a variety of different opportunities to choose from and volunteering roles to suit everyone.
The tasks are varied and in return you will meet some great people, who both work and stay in our hostels, as well as enjoying your time off discovering the local area and attractions.
Find out more and apply to volunteer.
Ellerslie was built in 1875 and forms part of Canterbury's rich heritage of Victorian gothic style buildings. Formerly a private residence to various wealthy prominent figures, many interesting relics from previous occupants are listed in the census, and there are some fantastic pictures of the maids servicing the property at that time.
YHA Canterbury boasts the longest-standing presence of a city YHA since our organisation was founded in 1930, occupying three other properties prior to the acquisition of our current home in 1962. It underwent a small refurbishment in the 1980s to improve the catering facilities and at that time squeezed over 100 beds into the rooms. Ellerslie then received the best 50th birthday present from YHA – a £600,000 makeover to reduce the dormitory sizes and increase the number of en-suite rooms. The work to the house has been sympathetically carried out, being mindful of the heritage, fantastic original staircase, ornate coving and woodwork. The refurbishment of this house is a great reflection on our reinvestment programme and will enable us to continue to welcome over 17,000 guests each year to this fine city.
Manager recommends: Try a gentle walk along the city wall to the castle, through the Westgate gardens and back through town. Visit the cathedral, followed by a river boat tour, some shopping at Whitefriars and then back to your accommodation for a few drinks in the bar! The perfect weekend city break. Or fill up on a full English breakfast and then embark on a walk around the ancient city wall and on to the top of Dane John Mound to take in the view. Follow up with a picnic in the Dane John Gardens.